Worried your credit past has closed the door on owning a home? You are not alone, and you are not out of options. At Burnett Mortgages in Doncaster, we help people with imperfect credit find a way forward every week.
This guide explains what lenders actually look for, what counts as “bad credit,” how to boost your chances, and who to speak to for clear, free guidance. You will also read real, local success stories to show what is possible.
What “bad credit” really means to a mortgage lender
“Bad credit” is a catch-all term for any history that suggests higher risk. Lenders do not see a single score. They look at your full credit file and your current finances. Typical issues include:
Missed or late payments on loans, cards, or utilities
Defaults and County Court Judgments
Debt Management Plans, IVAs, or bankruptcy
High credit utilisation, using most of your limits
Frequent recent credit applications
A single late payment is not the end of the road. The severity, the number of issues, how recent they are, and what you have done since are what matter. Lenders also weigh your income, outgoings, deposit size, employment type, and the property itself. We often place mortgages for clients with past blips because the rest of the case makes sense.
Can you get a mortgage with bad credit?
Yes. There are high street lenders and specialist lenders who consider applicants with credit problems. The right route depends on the detail. For example:
Older marks carry less weight. A default from four years ago can be acceptable.
Paid is better than unpaid. Settled defaults look stronger than unresolved ones.
Lower loan to value helps. A bigger deposit reduces lender risk and opens more choices.
Stable income and sensible spending can offset previous issues.
We will be honest: if a small pause will improve your options, but many clients can proceed now, even with recent credit problems.
What credit score do you need for a mortgage?
There is no single magic number. Each lender uses its own internal score and criteria, not your Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion number alone. As a rule of thumb:
Thin files and high utilisation reduce scores.
Clean conduct in the last 12 to 24 months is powerful evidence.
A solid deposit and affordable payments can outweigh a middling score.
Rather than chasing a target score, focus on what you can control. Keep payments on time, reduce card balances, and avoid unnecessary new credit while you are preparing to apply.
What evidence do lenders look for?
Be ready to provide:
Proof of ID and address
Last three months of bank statements, sometimes more
Payslips and P60s, or full accounts and SA302s if self employed
Details of any credit issues, including settlement dates
Proof of deposit and any gifted funds
Your statements tell a story. Lenders look for regular income, sensible spending, and no persistent unarranged overdraft use. If your statements show recent improvements, note them in your application. We help you present your case clearly and calmly.
What will stop you from getting a mortgage?
Few things are absolute show stoppers, but common blockers include:
Recent unpaid defaults or active CCJs
Payday loans in the last 12 months with some lenders
Recent bankruptcy or IVA without enough time since discharge
Overstretched affordability, where payments would be unsafe
Incomplete or inconsistent documents
Even then, the answer is often “not yet,” not “never.” Tidy up the file, allow time to pass, save a little more deposit, and the picture can change.
Can you get a mortgage on Universal Credit?
Yes, it can be part of your assessed income. Lenders vary on what elements they accept and how much. Some include certain benefits while others do not. We match your income mix to lenders who understand it and calculate affordability fairly.
Simple steps to boost eligibility
Check your full credit reports with all three UK agencies, and correct any errors.
Bring payments up to date and, where possible, settle small defaults first.
Reduce credit card balances below 50 percent of limits, then below 30 percent.
Avoid new credit applications while preparing to apply.
Keep bank statements clean. No gambling spikes. No repeated unarranged overdrafts.
Save toward fees and a bigger deposit. Every extra percentage helps.
Gather documents early. We will give you a checklist so nothing gets missed.
If you are self employed, keep your bookkeeping up to date and speak to your accountant about showing stable, sustainable income. If that is you, you might also find our support as a self-employed mortgage broker Sheffield useful if you are comparing options across the region.
How to get free mortgage advice, and who to speak to
You can get impartial guidance without pressure. At Burnett Mortgages, your first chat is free, friendly, and confidential. We listen, look at your credit files together, explain your realistic options, and map out a plan. You can call, email, meet in person, or book a video appointment. If you prefer local help with context on lenders who regularly accept credit blips, speak to a mortgage advisor Doncaster for straight answers and a plan tailored to you.
If you are exploring the market yourself, our mortgage calculator can help you estimate repayments so you understand what is affordable before you start viewing.
Local success stories, real people, real progress
A Doncaster couple had two historic defaults from a tough 2020. They had kept every payment on time for the last 18 months and saved a 15 percent deposit. We placed them with a mainstream lender, and they collected their keys in Wheatley Hills.
A single parent in Armthorpe had a thin file and a recent arrangement to pay on a store card. We tidied the file, waited three months to show cleaner statements, and used a specialist lender. She moved into a new build flat with a fair fixed rate and clear budgeting.
A family in Bentley on mixed income, including Universal Credit, worried they would be declined. We matched their case to a lender who accepts specific benefit types, explained affordability clearly, and secured an offer that fit their monthly budget.
These outcomes happen because we take time to understand the full picture, not just a credit label.
Myth busting to reduce the stress
Myth: One missed payment means you cannot get a mortgage.
Reality: It depends on how recent, how many, and what you have done since.
Myth: You must wait six years.
Reality: Many lenders accept older marks well before they drop off, especially if settled.
Myth: All brokers say no if your score is low.
Reality: A whole of market approach can find lenders who look beyond a single number.
Ready to talk?
If bad credit has made you hesitate, take the next small step. A conversation costs nothing and could save months of worry. As a friendly mortgage advisor Doncaster, we will meet you where you are, explain your choices in plain English, and support you from first chat to keys.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage and you may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.
Not all Buy to Lets are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.
There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage and the precise amount will depend on your circumstances. This will typically range from £295 to £695.